On 26 March, Moldova’s President, Maia Sandu, paid an official visit to Bratislava at the invitation of her Slovak counterpart, Peter Pellegrini. This visit was the official visit of the President of Moldova to Slovakia.
Peter Pellegrini welcomed Maia Sandu and promised to share his country’s experience of the EU accession process with Moldova.
“Dear @sandumaiamd, welcome to Bratislava. Based on years of friendship and trust, we are boosting cooperation with Moldova. We had a good discussion on energy security and the #EU accession. I confirmed that Slovakia is ready to share our integration experience. Once a country meets the criteria, the door should be open,” the Slovak president posted on X.
In a joint press conference in Bratislava, President Sandu highlighted that Moldova has chosen the path to peace, freedom and prosperity, within the European family – and it will not give up on it.
“A Moldova anchored in the European Union means a more secure eastern flank. Therefore, enlargement is not an act of charity – but a strategic one, said Sandu.
She noted that the two countries, Moldova and Slovakia, are marking 33 years of diplomatic relations, a period marked by a solid partnership, good cooperation and mutual respect.
“Today we are taking some new steps. First of all, we are signing the Agreement on Social Protection – an important step for all Moldovan citizens living and working in Slovakia and for Slovak citizens living and working in Moldova. Our investment agencies and chambers of commerce are also signing cooperation agreements, which lay the foundations for trade and investment. Our exports to Slovakia increased by over thirty percent last year. This development is encouraging – but the potential is much greater, and today’s Business Forum is the right platform to capitalise on it. Slovak companies have a real development opportunity with us, supported by the Growth Plan for Moldova, worth almost two billion euros,” Maia Sandu pointed out.
The president of Moldova referred to the war in Ukraine, which endangers the security, environment and public health of the Republic of Moldova.
“Russia’s aggression does not stop at Ukraine’s borders. It also reaches Moldova. Through constant attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, Russia is increasingly endangering Moldova’s security, environment and public health. The bombing of a Ukrainian hydroelectric power plant polluted the Dniester River, leaving 300,000 people without safe drinking water. Just three nights ago, another brutal attack knocked out our main power line – a line that can supply between 60%-70% of Moldova’s electricity,” she emphasised.
President Sandu underscored the fact that Slovakia did not stand aside. “When the Dniester River was polluted, Slovakia provided equipment to help us intervene. And now, when our electricity supply is at risk, Slovakia’s grid operator is facilitating cross-border energy flows to help us keep the lights on. Europe is stronger when it is united around its values”, noted Maia Sandu.
